The Washington Times reports the Washington Redskins will probably release S Sam Shade, and could do so as early as Thursday when the NFLís waiver wire resumes. The team can save $1.6 million against the salary cap by releasing Shade, who lost his starting job to S Ifeanyi Ohalete last season.

Updating earlier stories, the Washington Post reports Washington Redskins S Sam Shade (neck) said one of the leading spine specialists in California reexamined his tests on Monday, and the doctor's analysis was more positive. "I actually got some better news than I had gotten before," Shade said. Regardless, Shade plans to wait to get a clean bill of health before deciding whether to try continuing his NFL career.

Updating earlier stories, the Washington Times reports Washington Redskins S Sam Shade (neck), OUT for this week's game, said doctors were more upbeat Thursday after re-evaluating the bulging disc in his neck and he could return to the field next week.

The Washington Post reports Washington Redskins S Sam Shade (neck) has been told by doctors to not play Sunday because of a bulging disk in his neck. He said he will be reevaluated today and will consult with a specialist to determine whether the injury will have long-term implications on his career. "I'll see what's said [today], and we'll take it from there," Shade said.

Mark Maske reports for the Washington Post Washington Redskins S Ifeanyi Ohalete may take over this week as the team's starting strong safety, ahead of SS Sam Shade. He said after practice Wednesday he believes he is starting this week. "I think so," said Ohalete, whose playing time steadily has increased while serving as Shade's backup. "I don't know for sure, but it looks like it. I played a lot of snaps the last game, so it wouldn't be that different."

The Washington Times reports the Washington Redskins are looking to upgrade their safety position even though safeties Sam Shade and David Terrell return this year. The team may approach the position in the NFL Draft later this month.

The Washington Post reports Washington Redskins G David Brandt (sprained right knee) is doing better, but he missed practice on Wednesday. Matt Campbell took the snaps with the first team and he will most likely start if Brandt can't go. Backup MLB Robert Jones (sprained knee) is also questionable. S Sam Shade (bruised quadriceps) was able to practice on Wednesday and he is expected to play on Sunday. TE Stephen Alexander has an avulsion fracture (bone chip) in the middle finger of his right hand but said it shouldn't limit his play.

ESPN's John Clayton reports the Washington Redskins have restructured the contract of SS Sam Shade and saved roughly $1.4 million under the salary cap this year. Shade had his $2.3 million salary guaranteed by the team, turned a $200,000 bonus into incentives, added another year to his contract and received some of his 2002 salary in advance.

The Washington Post reports the Washington Redskins still intend to release CB Deion Sanders but it probably won't happen until sometime next week. There is speculation the team could release S Mark Carrier or S Sam Shade if they need additional room under the salary cap.

Paul Woody reports for the Times Dispatch Washington Redskins S Mark Carrier and his $2 million salary cap figure for 2001 could be a potential cap cut come June 1. He faces a potential two-game or more suspension to start the season for a hit he made in the final game of the 2000 regular season, and his performances faded late last season. He still has $2.4 million of his signing bonus left to be accounted for, but by releasing him after June 1, the Redskins can split that over two years. S Sam Shade and his salary of $2.3 million for 2001, also looks vulnerable to a salary cap move. If OL Cory Raymer can return to the lineup, Mark Fischer may be moved to left guard.

Mark Maske reports in the Washington Post the Washington Redskins are about $120,000 under the salary cap with only 48 players under contract. Lately they have been in a sign one player, release another player mode (See: sign PK Brett Conway, don't match the offer for TE/FB Mike Sellers). CB Deion Sanders has not committed to returning for the 2001 season. If he were to be released after June 1, the team would save $2.5 million against the cap. The team lost four unrestricted free agents, QB Brad Johnson; DE N.D. Kalu and WRs James Thrash and Albert Connell. They wanted to re-sign Kalu and Thrash but could not. The team still is looking to fill some holes by re-signing a couple of free agents and through the NFL Draft. DT Dan Wilkinson and S Sam Shade still face potential contract restructures.

The Washington Post reports as the day approaches when NFL teams can begin to release players, February 22, some Washington Redskins players are on standby. OL Keith Sims expects to get the axe as does Greg A. Ray the agent for OL Tre Johnson. If the two offensive linemen are release then the odds of WR Michael Westbrook or S Sam Shade being released decreases. The Redskins are set to clear about $10 million to $13 million of salary cap room. By releasing Johnson, Sims, DE Kenard Lang, WR Irving Fryar, OT Andy Heck and OL Derek Smith, the team would save $6.5 million against the cap. Sims hoped his paying through pain last season for the team would affect its' decision this season, but he knows football is above all a business.

As a follow up to previously reported stories, the Washington Post reports Washington Redskins OL Tre Johnson and Keith Sims will take physicals for the team on Tuesday. As reported earlier, it could be the first step towards releasing the two players although coach Marty Schottenheimer said the team is merely gathering information before making cap-related decisions. Agent Steve Weinberg confirmed he was contacted by the team about restructuring RB Stephen Davis' contract. Weinberg was not sure a deal would be reached. The first day for releasing players is February 22 and Johnson's agent expects his client will be released then. Other Redskins players, including WR Irving Fryar, S Sam Shade and OTs Andy Heck and Derek Smith remain potential candidates to be released.

The Cincinnati Post reports that with the departure of S Sam Shade (Washington), the Bengals are now looking to S Myron Bell to be the starter in the secondary for them in 1999. 'For the first time in my career, I'm going in as the No. 1 guy, and that's good,'' Bell said. ''That's a good change. When I left (the Pittsburgh Steelers) it was to become a starter. It took me six years to get to this point, so you better believe I'm going to take advantage of it.''

SportsTicker reports that S Leomont Evans has re-signed with the Redskins for a one-year tender offer of $934,000. "We are happy to have re-signed Leomont Evans," said Redskins GM Charlie Casserly. "With Sam Shade and Leomont we feel we have greatly improved our defensive backfield."

The Bengals plan on bringing in Jaguars Free Agent S Chris Hudson for a visit next week as they seek a replacement for Sam Shade who left for the Redskins. The team is also trying to setup a visit with CB Ronnie Bradford (ATL) but he has a visit setup with KC on Tuesday.

ESPN reports the Redskins have signed Bengals Free Agent S Sam Shade to a four-year contract. Shade's deal is worth $10.4 million over the four-years with a $2.5 million signing bonus according to SportsTicker.

The Cincinnati Post reports the Rams have offered Free Agent S Sam Shade a contract that doubles the Bengals offer of three-years at $1.1 million. The Rams deal is also for four years. It does not end there as Shade, according to an NFL source, is expected to get an even bigger offer from the Eagles who he will visit with as well. The source said the Eagles have been targeting Shade all along.